05 May 2016 – The ASEAN Committee in Paris (ACP) chaired by Philippine Ambassador to France Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Philippe Varin, Special Representative of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development, shared views on health sector cooperation between ASEAN and France.

Mr. Varin expressed that ASEAN and France could cooperate in various areas of health such as biotechnology, hospital building, and health services management, among others.  Jean-Patrick Lajonchére, coordinator of the French health sector, took pride in the French health policy of “health for all without distinction” and France’s “patient-centric and clinical approach” in dealing with health-related issues. He addressed that the quality and cost of the French health system is more advantageous to ASEAN than those offered by the United States and Germany, and that France is open to hosting foreign students for training.

The discussions elicited positive response from ASEAN, with some Ambassadors articulating the possibility of bilateral engagements with France on health cooperation.  France welcomed this initiative and responded that each bilateral engagement would be distinct in consideration of the specific needs of the ASEAN country.  END